SHANGHAI, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- China Barista Championship (CBC) Shanghai Division will officially kick off on September 17th-22nd at Shanghai Westgate Mall as one of the featured events of Shanghai Tourism Festival. For the entire 6 days, visitors have the opportunity to appreciate the finest coffee products from Italy, Switzerland, Japan and Brazil, as well as exposure to a series of bartending master classes and gelato sample tasting.

As usual, CBC Shanghai Division will have three days to battle out the winners for the China final to be held in April 2014. From September 18 to 20, visitors will have the chance to enjoy performance and coffee art created by top contenders coming from Shanghai and surrounding regions. What is worth mentioning is that the judging panel is composed of leading figures from cutting-edge coffee shops in China, including Head Judge WCE certified international judge Jack Hu, Technical Judge Luo Yang from Seesaw Coffee, Zhang Jun (Milan Gold) and Tan Yonghua, Sensory Judge An Yilin from KONA Coffee, first lady ever awarded with SCAE certificate in Mainland China, Cai Zhongshun from MQ Coffee, Wu Wenqi from Punk Coffee, Huang Junhao from Essence Cafe and Lin Xiaojing from Houzhengpingxin Coffee. Each competitor will prepare 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 original signature drinks within 15 minutes. Each drink will be judged upon its taste, clarity, creativity and skill.

China Barista Championship is proudly supported by A players among the coffee industry including HARIO, WEGA, Lavazza, Alfredo, JASCAFFE and Nestle in order to provide first grade ingredients and equipment to baristas throughout the competition.

Competition Background

China Barista Championship (CBC) is the exclusive professional competition authorized by World Coffee Events (WCE). CBC aims to provide a platform for coffee professionals and enthusiasts to share, compete and celebrate. CBC was introduced to China by Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo in 2003. It has become the cradle of up-rising young coffee professionals in China. CBC has marched into her 12th year with 20+ division competitions covering East, North, and Southwest region of China. Champions representing 20+ division competitions will gather at HOTELEX Shanghai 2014 to battle it out for the exclusive spot to compete at World Barista Championship 2014.

Milk Tea Hong Kong Style

Besides the heated competition, the carnival area will be set up to entertain more visitors. One of the highlight performances is from winner of 2013 Hong Kong Milk Tea Competition and she will be preparing palatable silk stocking milk tea and revealing some brewing skills of this name-brand traditional Hong Kong drink.

Spirits of Passion

Carnival area will also feature master classes showcasing some of the leading spirit brands including Monin, PRIMET, Perrier, Stolichnaya, Grand Marnier, DIVIDIDO. Brand ambassadors will recommend how to make one of the trendy drinks with their accurate and elegant moves.

On the day of 21st and 22nd, Carnival area will launch That's Spirits community, which is a social exchange platform for liquor lovers. Meanwhile, China Master Bartender Competition will be featuring her 2013 edition champion Nadia Liu onto the stage once again for her award-winning signature drink. Mega spirit empire Diageo will be sending off its fabulous World Class crews including bar managers from MUSE on the Bund, Fennel Lounge, Bar Constellation, Lost Heaven, Connoisseur's Bar and The Public. You just cannot afford to miss the opportunity to be at the spot with such great line-up.

Authentic Italian Flavor

As routine part of the activity, gelato generously sponsored by Fabbri will be giving free samples to the visitors with a hint of authentic Italian delight. What's more, Fabbri will continue to be the leading sponsor for China Gelato Championship to be held in April 2014.

HOTELEX Shanghai 2014

This Westgate mall event is designed to be a scale-down version of onsite events of HOTELEX Shanghai 2014 which captures the essence of China Barista Championship, China Gelato Championship, China Master Bartender Championship and newly launched China Bakery Competition. Please save your date for HOTELEX Shanghai 2014 on March 31st- April 3rd 2014 at Shanghai New International Expo Center.